Confronting Terror in Boston

Learning from Israelis how to respond to terror.

Today, more than ever, Israel and the United States understand one another. These two democracies –which share profound respect for freedom, for human rights and dignity, these two nations who lead the world in science and technology, these firm allies – are united in their knowledge of terror, as well.

As Israelis were ending their Memorial Day, which saw 92 deaths in the past 12 months added to the tally of over 26,000 Israelis killed since records began, we in the United States endured our own terrorist attacks in Boston.

“My teacher told me about his aunt and cousin who were shot as they drove past an Arab village,” my daughter told me that night over dinner, describing her Jewish school’s Memorial Day observances. “My teacher described coming under fire as he patrolled a border one night,” one son told me. “Everyone in Israel knows someone who has died,” his younger brother told me.

Israelis of all backgrounds have long been united by the attacks they endure, attacks meant to terrorize and maim, to make them give up and leave their homes. Yet the more Israel’s enemies try to weaken it, the stronger the Jewish state seems to become. Facing terror that’s meant to destroy its citizens’ morale, Israel has managed to lead in international rankings of happiness. Terror meant to destroy Israel’s economy and infrastructure somehow has failed to prevent Israel from emerging as a first-world economy, recently ranked as the best place on earth to start a high-tech firm.

Clearly, Israel has learned some lessons that we in the United States need today. As we wake up to the day after our attacks, facing questions and looking for those responsible for the Boston bombings, comforting our many wounded and burying our dead, what lessons does Israel have to impart?

As Americans face the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attack in Boston, Israel is observing its Independence Day. This festive occasion each year comes the day after Memorial Day. Each year, Israelis first spend a solemn day remembering their many dead. Whole families visit cemeteries to pay their respects at the graves of loved ones who were killed. The entire country comes to a standstill to observe two minutes of total, profound silence the length and breadth of the country.

Then, as the day ends, Independence Day begins. This is a happy occasion, but coming as it does on the heels of intense mourning, its happiness is tempered. Amidst this juxtaposition, Israelis have a unique view of Independence Day and the freedoms having their own country grants. It’s a freedom that is heavily purchased; it’s a happiness that is mindful of the heavy price the country has paid, and continues to pay, as its enemies try to weaken and destroy it. Remembering the many sacrifices that have been made to create and maintain the Jewish state seems to make Israelis more determined to infuse their lives – both personally and nationally – with purpose.

Israelis know that freedom has come at high cost, and they’re determined not to waste a drop of it.

Other nations, including the United States, have been the beneficiaries of Israelis’ desire to channel their national tragedies into productive, positive ways to help others. In fact, the emergency doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital who are treating the wounded from the Boston Marathon were trained by Israeli doctors a few years ago in setting up a disaster relief team for just this scenario. Other innovations that have come out of Israel as a result of challenges facing the Jewish state include drip irrigation, water desalinization, emergency bandages that stop hemorrhaging, cutting-edge surgical techniques, advanced medical training programs for foreign doctors from poor countries, and the use of clowns in hospitals to help calm children.

Perhaps that’s the source of their high happiness rankings, of their world-class economy and research sector. Israelis seem to know that freedom has come at high cost, and they’re determined not to waste a drop of it, planning and using their resources instead to achieve real, valuable goals.

In the midst of our own tragedy, how can we learn from Israel? How can we internalize their strength in the face of horrific attack?

1. Feel the pain personally. When we empathize with other people’s pain, it helps us feel more connected with others, more human.

I saw this in my own reaction to the bombings. I went to college in Boston, and it will always be “my” city. When I heard of the bombings, I thought of a college friend who was running in the marathon. It made the connection seem so immediate, and I thought of Israel – where everyone knows someone in the area each time there’s an attack. This sort of connectivity binds us together and helps ensure we’re sensitive to other people’s pain.

2. Find ways to help. Reaching out to others with aid is another way to help and also to feel connected with our fellows who are in pain. This can take the form of personal aid – an example from inside Israel is the practice in recent years of citizens from all over Israel to drive down to the besieged town of Sderot, which has been bombed incessantly in recent years, to do their shopping.

Another way to aid others experiencing tragedy is to pray on their behalf. One common practice is to recite Psalms in aid of a sick or injured person. Not only does this lend strength to the victims, it helps empower us and our families too, as we cast about for ways to help.

3. Do good in memory of the victims. What can we do for the victims who died in the Boston attacks? Again, the example of Israel can help. There, it’s common to take on a specific obligation – for instance deciding to study a Jewish text in the memory of one who has died, taking on the performance of a new Jewish ritual, or pledging charity. Doing so elevates the memory of those who have died, and helps us spread goodness in their names.

4. Answer despair with hope. The Jewish prayer that’s commonly said when disasters strike is brief: “Blessed is the faithful Judge.” It reminds us that God is in charge of the world, that He has designed it with a purpose. Even horrific events – even occasions that baffle us and leave us wounded – have an ultimate purpose. Like the Jewish mourner’s prayer, which praises God and doesn’t mention death, Jewish responses to tragedy contain a seed of hope.

They remind us that even our darkest moments can lead us to become better people. Like the citizens of Israel who tie their Independence Day celebrations to their solemn Memorial Day events, we too can ask ourselves what we can do in the face of tragedy. We too can think deeply about our response: we too can try to live better – to build a better community, to lead more deeply-considered lives – as a way to honor those who died.

5. Don’t take life for granted. In the aftermath of the Boston attacks, take some time to sit and consider your own life: realize for a moment how precious it is. Take some time to plan what your goals are, and how you might reach them. For, as Americans, we’ve only just realized what Israelis already know: each second in our lives is precious, and it’s up to us to use them well.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Yvette Alt Miller earned her B.A. at Harvard University. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Jewish Studies at Oxford University, and has a Ph.D. In International Relations from the London School of Economics. She lives with her family in Chicago, and has lectured internationally on Jewish topics. Her book Angels at the table: a Practical Guide to Celebrating Shabbat takes readers through the rituals of Shabbat and more, explaining the full beautiful spectrum of Jewish traditions with warmth and humor. It has been praised as "life-changing", a modern classic, and used in classes and discussion groups around the world.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 18

(14)
Lynnda Lou,
April 20, 2013 9:59 AM

YOU ARE A GREAT NATION!

After Boston; I think of what you have to go through at times! G D! IS WITH YOU! BEAUTIFUL ISRAEL.... I am so sad and ashamed how our president helps those he should NOT. & how he treated your wonderful President! In the past. I fear that is why America is getting punished.

(13)
Randy,
April 18, 2013 10:28 AM

Question about statistics?

GREAT article; however, I am wondering where the statistic regarding the Israeli deaths to terrorists (26,000) came from? The numbers from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dating back to 1920 are 3,721 (www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org). Thanks! Shalom!

Elisheva,
April 19, 2013 7:49 AM

Statistics

The number of 26,000 is not only for deaths relating to terrorism. It is for the number of dead in wars, terrorist attacks and the like since record keeping began.

Yvette Alt Miller,
April 19, 2013 1:23 PM

Thanks for asking about this. Approx. 26,000 Jews/Israelis have been killed in Israel in wars or terror attacks since 1860, when records began.

(12)
MSFrankel,
April 17, 2013 5:32 PM

Life need to move on

Americans should read and understand what this article means. Yesterday, I was watching TV, and in one of the breaking news channel , they were interviewing a Psychologist, on what to do to prevent being hurt by terrorist. She was saying that we have to check our surroundinggs. Stay away from trash cans, and mail boxes. Be aware that terror can strike anywhere. I don't remember the exact words she said, but it seems like she's encouraging people to be more afraid,rather than to be aware of the presence of danger. It is a sickening thought, to be afraid all the time. I'm glad that there are articles like this for people to know that inspite of the danger, we should be strong, and keep going. Thank you very much.

(11)
Andy,
April 17, 2013 6:21 AM

Boston New York Tel Aviv and the Holocaust

Hurt people (like in Boston) need friends and friendship.Israel needs friends, the world needs friendship.Instead of the State Department wasting millions in aid to malicious groups maybe the US should support annual competitions for "how to end hatred in abusive foreign societies".

Lynnda,
April 18, 2013 7:36 AM

AGREE!!! 100%

YES!!! I do not understand why our president is doing this! I love your PRESIDENT, he is intelligent, & I am so glad PRESIDENT Benjamin N. WILL NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT GIVING ANY OF YOUR LAND AWAY! IF "GOD" is with you, who can be against you... My dream is to visit ISRAEL. My parents & sister had the honor to go there about 10 years ago & they have NOT stopped talking about it... :)

(10)
Meir,
April 16, 2013 7:52 PM

Thank you for powerful message of hope and courage in the face of trajedy.

(9)
Esther,
April 16, 2013 6:21 PM

Israel is a prayerful nation.

Let the US and other nations copy from Israël on how to recognize The Supreme God, how to live a holy life and prayerful life, to know that the battle is of the Lords.

(8)
nicci diamond- levenstein,
April 16, 2013 5:27 PM

celebrating life

wonderful article- as an ex South AFRICAN living in Israel-what a gift to live each day to the full and be surrounded by a nation that celebrates life even in the face of trauma and uncertainty-the world has much to learn and model themselves on in Israel

(7)
Marcia,
April 16, 2013 5:17 PM

My prayers go put to all who r suffering because of the cowardly actions of some criminal. May thry find comfort in knowing others care and stand with them.

(6)
Bettie,
April 16, 2013 3:52 PM

Boston Bombings

AS SOON AS THE NEWS BEGAN ABOUT THE BOMBINGS I THOUGHT OF ISRAEL AND THE MANY COUNTRIES WHERE THE POPULATION HAS HAD TO SUFFER CAR BOMBINGS AND OTHER TYPES IF EXPLOSIVES.. I HAVE ALWAYS HURT AND PRAYED WHEN I SAW THESE AWFUL ATTACKS AND TO SEE THE SAME THING HERE IN OUR COUNTRY WILL ALWAYS MAKE US MORE UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT ISRAEL AND OTHERS HAVE ENDURED FOR SO LONG.

molly r.,
April 16, 2013 6:02 PM

Boston bombings

Israel is like the canary in the mine......Years ago when Israel started checking suspicious bags and Xraying people's belongings before they entered public buildings, and Americans pooh-poohed that idea and laughed, I felt that while Israel was the first to have to do this, the rest of the world's turn would surely follow...and sadly, Bettie, it has.

(5)
Tiferet,
April 16, 2013 3:05 PM

How about.....6. Make Aliyah

(4)
Silence Dogood,
April 16, 2013 2:24 PM

One little correction to your statement

Good Morning, The United States is not a democracy, it is a Constitutional Republic, and the differences are critical.

(3)
Lloyd A. Oestreicher,
April 16, 2013 2:13 PM

RETALIATION

DON'T GET MAD, GET EVEN.

(2)
Jaclyn,
April 16, 2013 2:11 PM

Not Taking Life For granted

Hear in Israel I wake up every morning and,thank G-d that!!I'm alive to enjoy another day!!Hopefully those in America will now realize that each day is a precious gift from G-d!!Especially after what happened in Boston after the Marathon,which was senseless!!My prayers are with the families and friends of those,in Boston.Who had loved ones injured in this tragedy and for Americans,who need.To be on watch for future happenings like this!!Because they are in store for you unfortunately!!!!

(1)
candlewitness,
April 16, 2013 2:07 PM

Excellent Article

Israel is amazing on so many different levels. Your article describing their excellence and ways we can learn from them should be taken seriously. I wonder so many times, "what can I do?" Thank you!

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!